NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

JIM FARBER

MR. FARBER: Yes. Madame Chairman,
Commissioners, my name is James Farber, and I'm a
casino game supervisor at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic
City.

I appreciate the chance to make known my
feelings on how the opportunities presented by the
casino business has profoundly changed my life.

I was born into a lower middle class
family in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Unable to afford a college education, I took the only
employment that I could find and went to work in a
local factory. Working conditions were less than
ideal. I worked in an underground room with no
windows, no air conditioning, and poor ventilation.
The heat in the room regularly exceeded 90 degrees and
I had to breathe chemicals all day long.

After enduring these conditions for two
years, I heard of the gaming industry and the
wonderful opportunities it presented. I packed
everything I owned, withdrew my $500 life savings, and
moved to Atlantic City.

I was extremely excited because I was
already hired to work in a new casino hotel that was
being built. The casino provided for my training,
education, and the licensing that was required for me
to begin my career.

In 1981, I received my first casino
paycheck and was astonished to see that I was making
more money than my father.

In 1984, I joined the Harrah's
organization and was promoted to casino supervisor.
As the gaming industry grew, so did its management
style. The industry continued to take stock in me by
paying and providing for my business education through
numerous workshops, seminars, and a mentoring program.

My life was further enhanced by my
purchasing power. I live in a nice house. I drive a
new car. I own a computer. I vacation abroad and
possess many other luxuries that create a comfortable
life style.

While these things are enjoyable, they're
merely incidental. To me the most valuable way in
which the gaming industry has enhanced my life is in
the sense of pride and self-esteem it has given to me.
It has allowed me to work with people from all walks
of life and from all around the world. It has taught
me the value of diversity and how to assimilate the
best of these cultures into myself.

The gaming industry has given me
encouragement, education, empowerment, and self-
esteem. For this I am indebted to the gaming
industry.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to
express to you what a positive impact the gaming
industry has made in my life.